ESSENTIALS 201 Part 1 – Growing in Your Walk

SPIRITUAL MATURITY 1.Becoming spiritually mature is a Process of growth that takes Time and Practice. 2.Christ instructed the Church to go and make Disciples.

SPIRITUAL MATURITY a.We are all disciples of Christ, following in His ways and learning to conform our Will to His. b.This process means learning new Habits and ways of Thinking.

DAILY DISCIPLINES 1.Word a.How to get the most out of your Bible. i.We must first Hear the word of God. ii.Devotional Reading is taking the word and processing it with the help of the Holy Spirit in an interactive dialogue. iii.Bible Study is taking a passage, book, or story and digging deep, consulting other resources, looking at the history, following cross references, etc.

DAILY DISCIPLINES iv.Bible Meditation is the process of ruminating on a small passage. It involves “chewing” on the passage throughout the day. b.Daily Bible reading and meditation is a key to growing in Christ. i.God’s Word is our most Precious possession. ii.God’s Word gives us Life and brings Prosperity.

DAILY DISCIPLINES c.We need to have an Open heart when we read the Scriptures. d.We must Apply the principles found in the Word. e.We must Claim its promises over our lives.

DAILY DISCIPLINES 2.Prayer a.Prayer is simply a Conversation with God. b.The purpose of prayer is to: i.Get to Know our God as we study and apply His Word. ii.Give Devotion to God. iii.Receive Direction from God. iv.Delight in God. v.Become more Like God.

DAILY DISCIPLINES 3.The Secret Place a.Select a specific Place and Time. b.The following is a simple model to help get you started: a) Invite Holy Spirit to bring illumination to your heart. (2 Minutes) b)Read a verse. (4 minutes) c)Reflect on a verse. (4 minutes) d)Write down what God says to you. (3 minutes) e)Make your requests to God. (4 minutes) f)Ask Holy Spirit to seal the Word in your heart. (3 minutes) c.The Lord’s Prayer Model-Matthew 6:9-13

WATER BAPTISM 1.What is baptism? a.Baptism involves Permanent transformation. b.When you Accepted Jesus Christ as Lord, you were baptized into Christ and born again! c.Water baptism is an outward expression of this internal transformation.

WATER BAPTISM 2.Why should I be water baptized? a.Commanded by Christ. b.Patterned by Christ and the church. c.It increases your faith and gives you a Public Declaration of your decision.

WATER BAPTISM d.It provides a Memorial to point to in your life. e.Though it is a Physical act, it is also a Spiritual act.

WATER BAPTISM 3.How should I be baptized? a.By Immersion. b.In front of Witnesses. 4.If I wasn’t immersed, or if I was water baptized before trusting Jesus as my Lord and Savior, should I get baptized again?

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT 1.Who is the Holy Spirit? a.A part of the Trinity. b.The Holy Spirit is God. 2.Christ died that we might Receive the Holy Spirit.

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT 3.What does the Holy Spirit do? a.Teaches us all things. b.Gives us Supernatural power to be His Witnesses. c.Gives us Gifts to do the work of God. d.Gives us Boldness and Faith. e.Helps us to Pray.

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT 4.How do I receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? a.By Asking God for it, and by being Thirsty for Him. b.By believing as an act of Faith.

ESSENTIALS 201 Part 2 – Community Life

LIVING FULFILLED Jesus said that He came that we might have life and have it in great abundance. This fullness comes when we are living a life connected to Him and connected to others through Experiencing God, Finding Community, and Fulfilling Our Purpose. Experiencing God comes as we connect with Him in both Private and Corporate encounters.

LIVING FULFILLED Participating in Community 1.Community Life at Trinity Fellowship starts with our weekly Celebration Service. a.Our weekly gatherings provide an opportunity to join together in Worship, celebrating God and experiencing His presence.

LIVING FULFILLED b.Our teaching and preaching are directed at Equipping individuals for Works of Service and building up the Body of Christ. c.We are committed to Preaching the Gospel in our services, reaching out to the lost and hurting of our community. d.Celebration Services provide a place for individuals seeking God to have a life-changing Encounter with Him.

LIVING FULFILLED 2.Community Life at Trinity Fellowship continues in a Small Group. a.Encouragement b.Friendship c.Purpose Spiritual Maturity can only be obtained when we do life Together in community.

LIVING FULFILLED 3.Dream Team a.Ministry Team b.Service Team c.Groups Team d.Generational Team e.Mercy Team f.Worship Team

LIVING FULFILLED 4.The fourth way is to make a personal investment. a.We are called to give i.We give of our Time. ii.We give of our Giftings. iii.We give of our Resources.

LIVING FULFILLED b.Six Benefits of Giving i.Giving helps us exhibit the Character of God. ii.Giving draws me Closer to God. iii.Giving is the antidote to Pride. iv.Giving strengthens my Heart. v.Giving is an investment in Eternity. vi.Giving Blesses me in return. Taking the next step: Discovery 301